A DRY cleaning and laundry firm has increased its workforce and launched a collection service for busy parents.

Darlington-based Cleancare Fabrics has marked its third year under new management by adding three people to its team and investing in a revolutionary new cleaning machine.

The Ilsa Ipura Hydrocarbon machine, which is the only one of its kind in the North-east and one of three in the entire country, offers a much greener alternative to traditional technology as it uses less water and electricity and is also significantly quicker.

It uses a gentler solvent than less advanced machines, allowing Cleancare to clean a wider range of fabrics and garments, including delicates such as valuable saris.

New revenues created on the back of the technology have enabled the firm’s managing director Debbie Johnson to draw up plans to expand the business into a derelict premises adjacent to its headquarters.

Meanwhile the company has also expanded its services, extending its collection and delivery service for laundry and ironing into the evenings, aimed at busy parents and young professionals in the Darlington area.

Debbie, who runs the company with her husband Gavin, said: “We would like to expand the business further and there have been a number of opportunities for expansion this year, some of which we have been able to take advantage of.

“Our first year was OK but in the second year we were really hit by the recession.

“However, we have made a strong recovery and I think we are seeing more people re-using their clothes by having them professionally cleaned, rather than buying new ones.”

Debbie and Gavin bought Cleancare three years ago from local businesswoman Anita Haire, who had owned the company for over 30 years and today remains an adviser to her successors.

To facilitate the growth of the business this year, the company has taken on Steve Duguid, Fiona Hamilton and Sarah Hall, bringing its workforce up to nine.